Austerity extended

Last week's Autumn Statement made pretty grim listening - confirming that austerity would continue for another five years and that the Government is no closer to balancing the books than it was when it came to power.

Labour's got to decide whether or not to support legislation limiting working-age benefits to a 1 per cent annual rise for the next three years.

I spoke earlier to Rafael Behr, Political Editor of the New Statesman, and asked him first about George Osborne's search for extra savings. How difficult would that be, given that so far health, education and overseas aid have all been protected from serious cuts?

This interview was broadcast on Sunday 9th December on BBC Radio 4's The Westminster Hour.